Inter-files, a great victory for motorcyclists but…

The pilot program for inter-file riding continues until the end of July 2025 while awaiting formal officialization.

Inter-file riding (IFR) remains a hot topic for the French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC). Good news for motorcyclists, the experiment has just been extended until July 31, 2025, as evidenced by the order published on January 2. A significant victory, certainly, but a mixed hope, as many still await the signing of the decree that would finally formalize this practice.

IFR, which allows two-wheeled vehicles to ride between lanes in traffic jams, is currently being tested in 21 departments. Since its implementation, it has sparked many debates and controversies. Some media even mistakenly announced an imminent wave of tickets at the previous deadline in August 2024. A sensationalist alert that has been dismissed by the facts: inter-file riding has never been a pretext to crack down on road users.

On roads like the Paris ring road, a hotspot for this practice, the results speak for themselves with few accidents relative to high traffic volumes, confirming the relevance of IFR. Thanks to the commitment of the FFMC and the work of Road Safety, a set of recommendations has been developed, providing a solid foundation for future official recognition.

However, this tolerance rests on a fragile balance. Law enforcement rarely issues tickets for IFR, focusing instead on dangerous behaviors. It is here that a change in mindset is hoped for. Some still abuse this freedom to turn inter-file riding into a real rodeo. Such behaviors only tarnish the image of responsible motorcyclists.

While awaiting a definitive decision from the State, the extension of the experiment is a positive step forward. It remains to be hoped that reason will prevail, both among users and in high political circles, so that this practice can become a model of shared safety.

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